Humboldt County accuses San Francisco of shifting homeless issues north

San Francisco and Humboldt County officials are engaged in a dispute regarding the relocation of homeless individuals. San Francisco's Mayor London Breed has initiated a program called Journey Home, which aims to assist homeless people in returning to their home states or relocating to other California cities where they have connections. This program, launched in July 2023, is part of a broader effort following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows local governments to impose restrictions on public sleeping by homeless individuals. Humboldt County supervisors have expressed concerns that San Francisco's approach may simply be shifting the homeless issue northward without ensuring that relocated individuals find stable housing and employment. They are contemplating sending a letter to Mayor Breed to address these issues, emphasizing the financial burden of caring for homeless individuals who have no ties to the area. While San Francisco has relocated a small number of individuals to Humboldt County, the latter has also sent people back to San Francisco. Humboldt County officials argue that their relocation program is more thorough, requiring verification of connections and follow-up support for participants. In contrast, San Francisco's program has been criticized for lacking similar follow-up measures. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of addressing homelessness and the challenges faced by local governments in managing their respective homeless populations. As both cities navigate these issues, the effectiveness and ethical implications of their relocation strategies remain a point of contention.